By Lorraine Anyango .                                                                                                                                                                             A team from ‘Ohana One’ recently paid a courtesy call to Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, CEO of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), showcasing their innovative approach to remote surgical training using advanced smart glasses technology. The delegation, including Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Cecelia Rono, accompanied by Ms. Pheobe Odhiambo from Health to Wealth, discussed potential collaborations focused on capacity building, training, and mentorship.

The smart glasses technology offers a transformative solution for surgical training and mentorship. Unlike traditional methods, it provides real-time, immersive visual and audio communication, allowing experienced surgeons to virtually ‘see’ and ‘guide’ surgeons in remote locations. This offers several key advantages:

The Senior Director Clinical Service, Dr Dedan Ongonga said that the innovation enhances. Real-Time Guidance, noting that Surgeons at JOOTRH can receive immediate expert assistance during complex procedures, improving patient outcomes. Adding that it has Improved Training Efficiency, as the technology facilitates interactive and personalized training, accelerating the skill development of local surgeons.

The innovation guarantees reduced travel costs and time, as remote mentorship eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming travel for expert surgeons it aslo Increases accessibility to expertise as Surgeons in resource-limited settings like JOOTRH gain access to specialized knowledge that might otherwise be unavailable.

While the use of this kind of technology in surgical training is still emerging in Kenya, its potential impact is significant. For JOOTRH, integrating smart glasses technology could be a game-changer, especially as the hospital prepares to launch its burns unit in August, coinciding with a planned surgical camp. Dr. Lesiyampe welcomed the initiative, recognizing its potential to dramatically improve surgical care delivery.

Ohana One’s commitment to establishing long-term, sustainable surgical training programs, utilizing mentorship relationships to transfer knowledge and skills, aligns perfectly with JOOTRH’s goal of enhancing its surgical capacity. This collaboration promises to empower local surgical providers to handle increasingly complex surgical cases, ultimately benefiting patients in the region.”